This book covers houses largely in the United States, though there is brief trip across the border to Canada. The houses range from those at Colonial Williamsburg to the Clintons’ house in Arkansas (as well as George W Bush’s childhood home, so the book is bi-partisan). The focus, as you can see from the title is the decorations that each house displays during the Christmas holiday. There are, therefore, lots of dressed up trees, mangers, and loud colors.

There is also quite a bit of history about each house and sometimes about the owners (and no, I’m not just talking about the Clintons here).

The decorations range from historically accurate to tasteful to loud. But that is, in many ways, a matter of taste. One of the more interesting sections is about Bayou Bend; a house in Houston once lived in by Irma Hogg. Apparently, each year includes a setting-more along the lines of a story- including ones set during the Civil War or a snow ball fight. That’s cool.

Whistler’s house is included in this collection, and you haven’t really seen Whistler’s mother until you’ve seen for the holidays.

The book is far more than photos. There is much history, so you will at least learn something. It’s a quick read.